UNESCO, stakeholders to explore peace education in tackling violence

By Mariam Abeeb

The National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) to partner with  security stakeholders on how peace education and cultural values could be use to tackle the rising act of violence.

This was made known by the Secretary-General, NATCOM-UNESCO, Lateef Olagunju, in a two-day National Conference on “Peace Education and Cultural Reorientation as a Panacea to Curbing Violence in Nigeria”, brought together educators, the Nigeria Police Force, Peace Corps,  Federal Road Safety Corp(FRCN) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

While emphasizing  the renewed call for peace and unity in the country, he highlighted that the conference aimed to address the root causes of violence through education, dialogue, and grassroots engagement.

“In line with UNESCO’s global mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, today we come together with a renewed commitment to advance peace.

“It is also to promote cultural understanding and address the pressing issues of conflict and violence threatening our coexistence,” he stated.

Highlighting the proactive and strategic nature of the initiative, Olagunju noted that the conference was not a mere response to challenges but a forward-thinking approach to embed a culture of empathy, tolerance, and mutual respect, especially among the youth.

“Our goal is to equip educators, civil society actors, and community influencers with the knowledge and tools needed to become champions of peace in their respective spaces,” he added.

He also drew attention to the Commission’s grassroots peace-building initiatives, including awareness campaigns, outreach to schools, motor parks, and marketplaces, as well as community service projects and roadshows.